Manchester City should look at Asmir Begovic in January

Begovic is one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the Premier League

With the astonishing loss of form of England’s number one goalkeeper Joe Hart, there are news ringing round that manager Manuel Pellegrini is in the market for a new Goalkeeper. Current Stoke City Goalkeeper Asmir Begovic who made headlines last week as his long range clearance founds its way at the back of the net against Southampton.

The 26-year-old admits he was close to a move to the Etihad Stadium, but the sacking of former manager, Italian, Roberto Mancini after last season’s FA Cup final defeat to Wigan put on hold any potential deal. Begovic recently claimed,

“The transfer was not realised due to several reasons, but the main one was the departure of the Italian manager.’’

“Could I still move to City? I really don’t know if negotiations between clubs are still ongoing,’ he added. But for me probably the best thing would be to stay at Stoke until the end of the season as in that way I would be truly ready for World Cup in Brazil.’ – Skysports

So what are Begovic’s chances of joining City this January transfer window?

The Bosnian, without doubt, is one of the best keepers in the Premier League and a genuine goal stopper who is not afraid to come out if needed. Unlike Joe Hart, who has had a massive drop in confidence, Begovic has been playing on top of his game.

Hart, who after a number of costly errors this season has been replaced by Romanian, Costel Pantilimon who kept a clean sheet against Norwich last weekend failed to do so earlier today against Sunderland, but looked promising throughout the game.

”I’m not thinking about when Joe comes back,” said the Chilean manager.” I think about this moment and what the best for us is at this moment. The trust is with Pantilimon and we continue trusting in Joe and we will see when he comes back.”

Although Stoke allowed Swansea to score three past them, Begovic cannot be directly blamed for any one of them as it was a poor defensive display from his defenders. The Stoke City stopper normally possesses immense concentration levels – a sign of good goalkeepers when required to maintain focus and is an exquisite shot stopper and extremely agile between the sticks with immense reaction powers.

Critics though would certainly claim that he comes off his life far more likely than often, however it shouldn’t be much of a concern given his other attributes. Though it does expose his backline, Begovic more than makes up for it given his brilliance in reading the game and anticipation which is key for any stopper.

If Begovic does join the Citizens in January, it might be just the kind of inspiration Hart needs to show his full potential in the biggest of stages.